Miners and associated Ridge residents surfaced from the ground and gathered for the annual Mine Field Shield.

The boys said rain or shine we were going to play.

It was 8.30am and still raining so I assumed there would be no play, but we thought we could have a few drinks and still have a good day. More and more people came, some just to have a look but some stayed.

Finally the weather cleared up a little and after a total of 62mm of rain, the game was on.

There was some good batting with some balls ending up in the car park (eat your heart out Steve Waugh) and fielding with one bloke doing what looked like a backward flip to catch a ball, missing the ball, but gee it looked good. Even the girls cut some great muddy figures out there. Everything was applauded or booed or laughed at by the happy crowd.

The competition was intense as the Hard Hats, captained by Anthony Malonas, faced off against the Shin Crackers, captained by Brian King.

The Shin Crackers won the toss and elected to bat first.

The team managed to clock up an impressive 100 runs despite the determined efforts of the Hard Hats.

The Hard Hats fought back fiercely but just fell short of the mark, handing the Shin Crackers the Mine Field Shield for 2004.

There was also a banner competition with the Ridge nurses winning on the day.

After the match everyone cooled down with a water fight and a bit of mud wrestling.

It turned out to be a great day and the goal of raising some money for the golf club and for the hospital was achieved.

Many thanks to all the people who turned up for the event. A big thanks to all the organisers like Ox and Eddie Webb and all people who gave so freely of their time.

Thanks to the members of the band, the booze bus and driver, the boys and girls who helped with the barbecue and the bar and helped to clean up the big mess left behind, the next morning. What would we do without your help?

We would also like to thank the Bowling Club and especially Ian Woodcock for the help and guidance over the last few months.

Wednesday Vets

Winner was Vidar Hanvold with runner-up Ron Canlin. All other games of Golf were washed out.

This week's games

Friday March 19 Chicken run: hit off 8am to 3.30pm.

Sunday March 21 18 Hole Flagcomp: 8am start.

Wednesday March 20 Vets Stableford: 8am start.

Ladies 12 Hole Stableford

Don't forget the club will be open from 4pm Thursday and Friday.